Author Barbara J. Kukla will discuss Newark Women: From Suffragettes to the Statehouse, her seventh book about the rich history of the City of Newark, on Wednesday, June 6, at the Newark Public Library, 5 Washington St. The program will take place from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Doors open at 5.
Newark Women focuses on the important role they played a century ago in securing the right of women to vote. Lt. Governor Sheila Y. Oliver is featured on the cover. Inside are 650 bios of prominent Newark women in fields ranging from business to the visual arts.
“I write about people I know who have achieved great things, but otherwise might be forgotten or overlooked. ” Kukla says. “ I want to share what they have accomplished and build pride in our community. It’s important for everyone to know his or her history.”
Kukla spent 43 years in journalism, most of that time as editor of the popular Newark This Week edition of The Star-Ledger. Her other books include: Swing City: Newark Nightlife, 1925-50; Defying the Odds: Triumphant Black Women of Newark and The Encyclopedia of Newark Jazz: A Century of Great Music. Her next book, due out in September is titled City of Champions: Newark Sports Through the Years.
Kukla also has produced six Newark calendars, including Remembering Connie Woodruff: A Life Well-Lived, Newark Gospel Greats and Newark Songbirds: Jazz Through the Years. She is available to talk to book clubs, churches, schools and community groups
